Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 8: Full Comparison and Review

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Understand the differences between the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 8 with this comparison of their features.

Design and Display of the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 8

The design and display of the Apple Watch is quite distinctive. The Series 8 has an edge-to-edge display with rounded corners, while the SE has more visible bezel. Both come in two sizes, 40 and 44 mm for the SE and 41 and 45 mm for the Series 8. The latter also has two extra font size options. The watch cases are made of aluminum in the case of the SE and you can have stainless steel on the Series 8. The screen maxes out at 1000 nits and both get equally bright in direct sun. Although, the Series 8 offers an Always On display which is a great detail to have.

Apple Watch SE – Amazon.com /

Watch Bands of the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 8

The two watches have different designs, but you can use the same watch straps for either one. The Series 8 has a more rounded corner and the display tends to go more edge to edge than the SE. It also has two size options for the case – 40 or 44 millimeters for the SE and 41 or 45 millimeter for the Series 8. In terms of weight, the 40 millimeters SE and 41 millimeter Series 8 are relatively the same, though the 45 millimeter version is a bit heavier. The good news is that whatever watch you choose you’ll be able to find a compatible watchband. So, don’t worry if you decide to switch in the future or choose a different style.

The link to purchase an Apple Watch SE from Amazon can be found here

Features and Functionality of the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 8

Design-wise, the Series 8 has rounder edges and edges that nearly touch the side of the display. The SE, on the other hand, has visible bezels. When it comes to size, both options are available in two sizes – 40 and 44 millimeters for the SE and 41 and 45 millimeters for the Series 8. Furthermore, the Series 8 offers two additional font sizes for a better view of text and messages.

When it comes to features and functionality, both the SE and the Series 8 offer the same features. They both come with the latest version of Watch OS, Apple Pay, and a wide selection of watch faces. They share the same chip and perform in the same way. The Series 8 also has unique watch faces that are not available with the SE, plus they have a full-size QWERTY keyboard. Additionally, both models are water-resistant and have 24/7 heart rate monitoring, fall detection and SOS features. The Series 8, however, has an added blood oxygen sensor, an ECG app and skin temperature sensor.

Finally, both models have the same battery life, offering up to 18 hours of use and can be stretched with low power mode. Charging is faster with the Series 8 due to the 20 watt charging brick.

Apple Watch Series 8 – Amazon.com /

The Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 8 Health and Fitness

The Apple Watch SE and Series 8 are both ideal for tracking activity and performance, as they are equipped with a range of sensors that can measure heart rate and calorie expenditure. Additionally, they both can be used to track a huge range of different types of exercise, as they come with built-in GPS and a compass app. Moreover, they are both also water-resistant, so they can be taken into the shower or used while swimming.

As far as the Health and Fitness capabilities go, both watches offer 24/7 heart rate monitoring, as well as high and low heart rate alerts, fall detection and SOS features. The Series 8 also has a unique blood oxygen monitoring sensor as well as an ECG app which can detect signs of atrial fibrillation; both features are not available on the SE. Furthermore, the Series 8 has a skin temperature monitoring sensor for ovulation tracking and sleep analysis.

The link to purchase an Apple Watch Series 8 from Amazon can be found here

Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 8 Battery Life

The power capacity of the Series 8 and SE models are pretty similar. Both watches are advertised to last 18 hours before needing a recharge but in reality, users can stretch them out to a full day and a half if they’re judicious about their usage. If you require more battery life, both have a low power mode activated to extend the time a bit more and the SE will also turn of certain features like heart rate notifications. However, the Series 8 has an edge in charging times. When using the 20-watt charger, it can go from empty to full in around 1.5 hours while the SE takes a bit longer at around 2 hours.

Apple Watch SE – Amazon.com /

Charging

When it comes to charging, the Series 8 and SE are both quite fast when it comes to quick top-ups. Both will require a 20 watt charging brick to get the speeds they can offer, which is not included with the product. Of course, the Series 8 charges a bit faster, with both the 40 and 41 millimeter versions going from Flat to full in a side-by-side comparison with the 20 watt charging brick on each watch. If you want to get an extended life out of your battery, both watches also offer a low power mode that can stretch the battery life up to 36 hours, but will turn off certain features like heart rate notifications and the always-on display on the Series 8.

Pros of the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 8

Both are water resistant
Both have 24/7 heart rate monitoring
Both have contactless payments
Both have a wide selection of watch faces with complications
Both have built-in GPS and a compass app
Both have low power mode

Cons of the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 8

Series 8 has more rounded corners and edge-to-edge display
Series 8 has two additional font sizes
Series 8 has an always on display, while the SE does not
Series 8 has more expensive case construction options
Series 8 has two exclusive watch faces
Series 8 has a blood oxygen sensor, ECG and skin temperature sensor that are not available in the SE

Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 8: Final Conclusion

The Apple Watch SE and Series 8 are two top-notch smartwatches released in 2022. From their designs, to their screens, Health sensors, battery life and performance, the differences between the two are plenty. When it comes to features and functionality, both the SE and the Series 8 offer the same features. Finally, both models have the same battery life, offering up to 18 hours of use and can be stretched with low power mode. Charging is faster with the Series 8 due to the 20 watt charging brick. As the Pros and Cons showed us, the Series 8 definitely has some advantage over the SE, but bottom line they are both fantastic models and are a great addition to the Apple Watch line.

FAQ regarding Apple Watch’s

1. What advantages are there to the Apple Watch SE?

The Apple Watch SE is water resistant to 50 meters and supports Apple Pay with skin authentication much like prior models, and though it lacks ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, it has the same optical heart rate sensor, gyroscope, and accelerometer so it can monitor steps taken, calories burned, stairs climbed, and more. (macrumors.com)

2. Will Apple Watch Series 8 have a better battery life?

Apple lists an 18-hour battery life, enough to get you through the day, every day. The only time I’ve seen the battery life really low is if I forget to charge it overnight. There’s now a Low Power mode on Series 8, as there is for Watch Ultra. It extends the life of the Watch to around double, 36 hours. (forbes.com)

3. Can I talk on my Apple Watch without my phone?

With a Wi-Fi or cellular connection, your Apple Watch can do the following things, even if your iPhone isn’t with you. Make and answer phone calls. Send and receive messages. Use Siri to get directions, send iMessages, and more. (support.apple.com)

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